Jewish Cultural Quarter

One square kilometer in Amsterdam contains four iconic venues that comprise the Jewish Cultural Quarter: the Jewish Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and National Holocaust Museum. These institutions, which all shine important light on Jewish culture, offer exhibitions and programs that explore such themes as freedom, identity, and rights.

The Jewish Museum showcases personal stories, meaningful objects, and art that explore the religion, history, and culture of the Jewish people, who first settled in the Netherlands circa 1600. Nearby in the old Jewish neighborhood is the Portuguese Synagogue, which stood as the biggest temple in the world when it was constructed in the 17th century. The synagogue is used as place of worship to this day (and still favors candles instead of electric lights).

The Hollandsche Schouwburg theater was seized by the Nazis during World War II and used to hold Jews before they were transported to concentration camps. Reopening in 2024 after a renovation, Hollandsche Schouwburg stands as a memorial to all Holocaust victims. Across the road is the National Holocaust Museum, which opened in 2024 and uses personal accounts and objects to detail the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews in the Netherlands. All four institutions support the Jewish Cultural Quarter's mission to commemorate and preserve Jewish history in the Netherlands.